Tips for Loading a Shipping Container

Loading a shipping container may seem straightforward, but a well-organised and secure approach can make all the difference in the safety and efficiency of your shipment. Whether you’re preparing for a long-distance move, storing belongings, or shipping goods overseas, the way you load your container is crucial for protecting your items, preventing damage, and optimising space.

If you’re considering buying or renting a shipping container, it’s essential to know how to load it properly. Preparing a container carefully and making the most of its space not only protects your cargo but also ensures your safety during the process. Every step in the loading process is important for keeping your items secure and for maximising the container’s capacity, so your cargo arrives in optimal condition.

Getting your shipping container ready to load

Before you start loading the shipping container, you’ll need to do some prep work. This will make it easier and safer to load and unload shipping containers. 

Inspect your shipping container

Start by inspecting the shipping container for any signs of damage or leaks. The steel structure of containers is very strong – but it’s still vulnerable to rust, cracks, or water damage without proper maintenance. 

The container should be completely clean and dry inside. Check the walls, floors, and ceiling for holes, cracks, or rust spots that might let water in.

Get your equipment ready

If you’re using a shipping container, chances are that you have a lot of items or heavy objects to stow away. You’ll need the tools to match. Pallet jacks and loading ramps will help you move items in and out of the container efficiently. You can use straps to secure heavy items in place. 

Don’t forget to wear safety gear, including gloves and sturdy footwear! 

Plan the layout of your load

Planning your shipping container load will mean that you can fit in more items – and get them out again easily when required. You can also plan to balance the load so that the container is less likely to tip or slide in transit. 

Start by measuring the space available inside the container. Next, measure the weight and dimensions of your items, and start sketching a rough plan for how they’ll fit inside the container.

It’s a good idea to place heavier items below lighter items, towards the middle of the container. Make sure that any incompatible items are kept away from each other: for example, you wouldn’t stack bottles of flammable liquid next to a pallet full of matches!

How to load a shipping container

Once you have a plan, organise your items outside the container by size and weight. You can load them into the shipping container one by one, starting with heavier items and working upwards and outwards. 

The final result should be an evenly-balanced container where all the items are secured. If the container is properly loaded, your goods should reach their destination undamaged. And if you’re using the container for storage, the items should be secure but still accessible when needed. 

Safety considerations for loading your container

Safety is the number one priority when you’re loading or unloading shipping containers. It’s more important than speed or maximising cargo space.

One of the biggest safety risks when you’re loading shipping containers is heavy items. You should handle them with appropriate equipment and safety gear. Have a plan to get them on and off the container without injury or damage. You’ll also need to plan and check the weight distribution in the container so that it doesn’t tip over.

The overall weight of the container matters, too. Containers have standard weight limits which you should never exceed. Standard 20-foot containers can hold up to 25,000 kg (55,115 lbs), while longer 40-foot containers can hold 30,500 kg (67,240 lbs).

Most cargo damage in shipping containers is caused by incorrect stowage or a lack of packaging. Store lighter items above heavy items so that they don’t get crushed. Make sure everything is secured so that items can’t move around in transit. 

Finally, think about how you’re going to move the container itself. You’ll need a side loader truck to transport a loaded container safely.

How to secure the cargo inside your container

Cargo inside shipping containers must be secured so that it doesn’t get damaged, fall on other items, or injure someone. 

The best way to secure cargo is to pack it in tightly so that items can’t slide around. Ideally, there shouldn’t be any empty space left between items.

You can also use tools and equipment to secure cargo in place. For example, you can shore up items against the container walls with bars, struts, and spars. You can also lash items in place by securing ropes, chains, straps, wires, and nets to anchor points around the container. Heavier items should always be tied to tie rails for extra security. 

Protective packaging will protect your cargo and reduce the loose space inside the container. Cardboard, brown paper, and bubble wrap can all be used to wrap items up safely.

Top tips for packing, securing, and loading a shipping container

When you properly load a shipping container, you’ll be able to fit in more cargo and keep it safe during its journey. Following these best practices will ensure you load your shipping container effectively. 

Optimise the space in your shipping container

There are different ways to maximise the space in your shipping container, depending on what items you have. For example, you can stack boxes vertically to make the most of the container’s height. However, the stacks will need to be secured in place so that they don’t shift or fall during transit.

If your cargo doesn’t fill the container completely, you have a few options. You can secure items in place with load securing materials such as load bars, straps, or bracing plywood. You can also fill spaces between items with dunnage bags or inflatable airbags. 

Tactically load your cargo

Start by protecting items with durable packaging. Use extra materials, like bubble wrap and packing items, for fragile cargo. Items that are in boxes should be padded so they don’t move around inside the packaging. You can use crates, pads, or skids for oversized or awkward-shaped items.

Every item in the container should be secured in place. If there are any gaps between them, fill the space with fillers or padding. Any items near the doors should be covered with waterproof material in case of leaks.

If you’re transporting cargo for multiple customers, it’s helpful to keep their items in separate stacks for easy unloading. And if you plan to use a forklift for unloading, make sure to leave space at the top of the container. 

Distribute the weight of your cargo evenly

Stack items based on their weight and size. Heavier items should always go under lighter ones, stacked in even tiers. Large, heavy items such as appliances and mattresses should be placed along the container walls.

Liquid cargo should be at the bottom of the container, either placed away from solid cargo or shielded for protection. The weight should be evenly balanced across the container, covering all the floor space.

Other considerations when loading and securing cargo in a shipping container

Cargo ships are designed to hold steady even in rough seas. But it’s still possible for containers to fall, slide, or tip. You can reduce the risk by following guidance on cargo weight, shipping container capacity, and loading equipment. 

Shipping container and cargo weight

If you plan on shipping your container via cargo ship, you need to adhere to the latest SOLAS regulations. These state that you must provide a verified gross mass (VGM), or weight, of your container to the terminal and shipping line ahead of time. Make sure that the total weight is within the guidelines for your container size and is evenly distributed across the container’s floor. 

The capacity of your shipping container

Try to pack your shipping container to capacity, from corner to corner and wall to wall. If there’s still space left, use padding, filler, or air bags to fill in the gaps. Don’t forget to factor in item packaging when you’re planning how to load the cargo: packaging can make a big difference to weight, size, and shape of items. 

Equipment requirements

You’ll need equipment to move the container around safely. Some of the most common options include:

• Container cranes lift containers on and off trucks and trains. However, they can be slow to operate.
• Forklifts can be used to move containers. This option isn’t ideal because it’s less stable than other equipment.
• Straddle carriers are often used in ports and terminals to move containers between ships, trucks, and trains. They may take more than one person to operate them.
• Reach stackers are used in shipping, warehouses, and storage facilities. 
• Front-end loaders are popular in shipping and on construction sites. They can move large amounts of materials, as well as containers, into dump trucks and transport vehicles.
• Back-end loaders are commonly used in shipping and on docks. They’re extremely versatile and have a range of uses besides moving shipping containers. 

Common mistakes when loading a shipping container

When you load a shipping container, you have to balance safety, efficiency, and ease of transport. It’s easy to get things wrong. 

One of the most common problems is failing to secure cargo. When items aren’t secured in place, or there are gaps between them, they can move around and get damaged. Similarly, if you fail to manage the weight distribution of your items, the container could tip and damage the items inside.

The root cause of this problem is a lack of stowage planning. We recommend using a CBM calculator to help you maximise the container’s capacity safely. You can also use pallets to make it easier to stack items properly. 

Never exceed the recommended weight limit for your shipping container. This can cause damage to items, containers, and even the equipment used to haul them. Legally, you must provide an accurate weight to shipping lines and terminals before they accept your shipping container. 

Consequences of poorly loaded containers

At best, a poorly-packed container can damage the cargo inside. At worst, the container could fall or tip over – causing a chain reaction and making an entire stack of containers collapse. Falling containers can cause death or injury, as well as losing your cargo overboard. 

The CTU Code has guidelines on the safest way to load containers. It was agreed by the International Maritime Organization, the International Labour Organization, and the United Nations Economic Commission of Europe in 2014 to reduce accidents.

The code recommends packing cargo solidly, securing items in place, and balancing weight across the container. Any heavy or unusual items should have extra straps, wires, or chains to hold it in place, as well as protective packaging.

The bottom line

Shipping containers are a secure, versatile way to store items and transport cargo. However, a shipping container is only as good as its packing. You should follow guidelines on how to load shipping containers safely and efficiently to make the most of your container.

Universal Containers has been providing new and used shipping containers to the UK for over 40 years. If you’re planning to hire or buy a container, talk to our experts for any advice – no obligations!